Dec. 7, 2021 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College students will have easier access to technology and academic tutoring through a partnership between the college, the AT&T Foundation and the Grand Rapids Public Library.
A GRCC virtual learning hub was created in the library’s Seymour branch, 2350 Eastern Ave. SE.
A $25,000 grant from the AT&T Foundation will be used for tutors, bus passes for students who need transportation, snacks, and some supplies.
“This program is a perfect example of a partnership making our community stronger,” said Dr. Kathryn K. Mullins, GRCC’s vice president for College Advancement and executive director of the GRCC Foundation. “The pandemic exacerbated many of the obstacles faced by our students, including transportation and access to computers or Wi-Fi. The new learning hub brings tutoring and other support services right to those living in this neighborhood.”
In addition to the on-site tutors, who will focus on reading, writing and research skills, students can use the Seymour branch’s computers and Wi-Fi access to connect with GRCC tutors in other subjects as well as specialists who can help with enrollment, financial aid, and placement test questions.
The Seymour branch was selected for the hub because it is located in a neighborhood with a large number of underserved residents.
"The AT&T Foundation is committed to ensuring students have access to technology and learning resources to be successful," AT&T Michigan President David Lewis said. "GRCC's virtual learning hub at the Grand Rapids Public Library is giving underserved students the access they need and deserve to thrive in their education."
The learning hub is available to GRCC students and community members who are interested in learning more about attending GRCC.
Since opening in mid-September, it has helped about 150 students in-person and virtually so far. More than 20 students have visited the hub multiple times.
“Having the tutoring hub at Seymour has been very successful and is attracting new patrons to the library who are utilizing our services and resources,” said Zandra Blake, regional branch manager at the Grand Rapids Public Library. “It is also illuminating the tremendous need for tutoring for students of all ages in our community.”
About half of GRCC’s Winter 2022 classes will have an online component, and registration is still open.
The hub is open 3-8 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays, 1-6 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and 1-5 p.m. on Saturday.
Ray Harig, 45, is attending GRCC through the Futures for Frontliners program, which provides tuition for people who worked in essential careers during the state’s COVID-19 shutdown.
He’s paused his work in the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning industry to take classes and finish his degree, which will help him advance in his career.
He said he’s found help navigating computer software and learning how to use it for research projects and writing essays.
Student Diego Suarez, 19, said all of his classes this semester are online. He comes to the learning hub once a week, getting tutoring assistance for essays and research projects.
“This is more convenient, and I don’t have to worry about finding parking,” he said. “I save time and money, and get the help I need.”